Shops set to turn down lights and music in first Autism awareness hour

The National Autistic Society's 'too much information' virtual reality stall, pictured at the intu Victoria Centre

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The National Autistic Society’s first UK-wide Autism Hour is being launched at intu Broadmarsh and intu Victoria Centre in October.

The shopping centres are working with the charity to launch the week-long event, with each of its retailers and restaurants being asked to reduce their lights, music and other background noise for one hour at 10am on Monday, October 2.

It is hoped that by taking 60 minutes during the week to provide autistic people with a break from the usual overload of too much information, it will create a better environments for autistic customers.

Nigel Wheatley, general manager at intu Victoria Centre and intu Broadmarsh , said: “We will be asking every shop and restaurant in our centres to dim their lights and reduce their music for an hour to raise awareness of autism among their staff and customers.

intu Victoria Centre

"We hope that launching the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour will encourage many more businesses to take these simple steps that will make life easier for the estimated 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families.

“We want to put a smile on the face of everyone who visits an intu centre and this means training our staff, supporting our customers and working with brands in the centre as well as organisations like the National Autistic Society to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for all.”

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A survey by The National Autistic Society suggests that 64 percent of autistic people avoid going to the shops , and 28 percent have been asked to leave a public place for reasons associated with their autism.

The National Autistic Society's 'too much information' virtual reality stall, pictured at the intu Victoria Centre last year

Mark Lever, chief executive at the National Autistic Society , said: "Like anyone, people on the autism spectrum and their families want the opportunity to go to the shops and access services. But many find the often busy, loud and unpredictable environment overwhelming. In fact, our recent survey revealed 64 percent of autistic people avoid going to the shops because of their autism.

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“Our Too Much Information campaign is highlighting that the smallest changes can make the biggest difference for autistic people, that’s why, alongside intu, the National Autistic Society are asking shops and services to take simple steps for 60 minutes, from dimming the lights to turning down music."

Autistic people often find social situations difficult and struggle to filter out the sounds, smells, sights and information they experience which means they feel overwhelmed by ‘too much information’ when out in public.